Jaguar unveiled the brand’s refreshed XF and XFR sedans at the New York Auto Show. The British firm’s BMW 5 Series rival received revised front and rear bodywork, along with subtle changes in the cabin. The 2012 model also marks the introduction of a new four cylinder turbo diesel engine for certain markets including Europe.

On the outside, Jaguar restyled the XF to be inline with the new XJ, though some may also see common themes with the original C-XF Concept, especially the sleeker headlamp designs that incorporate daytime running LEDs. The 2012 XF benefits from revisions to the grille, hood, and front fenders, which incorporate new triangular side vents. The larger tail lamp features full LEDs for stop, tail light and turn signal functions. The XFR’s newly styled bumpers and alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover. On the inside, the changes are more subtle with the XF gaining a new steering wheel, revised seats, a modified instrument panel and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

In North America, the 2012 XF continues with the existing engine lineup that includes a 385HP 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, a 470HP 5.0-liter supercharged V8 and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510HP in the XFR. In Europe and other markets, Jaguar is introducing the 2.2-liter four-cylinder AJ-i4D turbo diesel, which is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander. The oil burner puts out 190HP and 450Nm of peak torque, and is linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. I am confident that this unit will make it to Singapore as the diesel XJ seemed to be selling quite well here. With this engine, the XF reaches 96 km/h in 8.0 seconds en route to a top speed of 225 km/h while returning a consumption figure of 5.4 litres per 100 km on the EU combined cycle. This makes it the most economical Jaguar ever. According to the automaker, it emits 149g/km of CO2 and is Euro Stage V compliant.

I have been a car fanatic since 1989, when my father was changing our family car then to a Toyota Corolla 1.6 GL fitted with a Twin Cam 16 valve engine that was carburetor-fed, a big deal back in those days. The automobile technology and industry fascinates me and I hope to broadcast these interesting developments to everyone out there through this blog.